Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by After Tang Xiya, ink, 1120
Untitled, by After Tang Xiya, ink, 1120

Untitled is an ink painting by the Chinese Orthodox School artist After Tang Xiya. It dates from 1120 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This small album leaf, executed on silk with ink and subtle colour washes, dates to around 1120.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

Executed in ink with subtle color washes, the composition follows the genre of Chinese landscape painting while focusing on the avian subject.

The work is an album leaf painting on silk that portrays a single bird within a landscape format. Executed in ink with subtle color washes, the composition follows the genre of Chinese landscape painting while focusing on the avian subject. The bird is rendered in a style linked to the later Tang dynasty, reflecting the influence of Tang Xiya on contemporary artists.

Measuring approximately 19.7 centimeters in height and 19.4 centimeters in width, the piece is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection and was created in China. Its primary subject, a bird, occupies the central visual field, emphasizing natural observation characteristic of the period.

Technique & Style

This album leaf is executed in ink and color on a silk support. The work measures 19.7 cm in height and 19.4 cm in width. Stylistically, the painting belongs to the landscape genre and features a bird as its primary subject.

The piece is attributed to a follower of Tang Xiya, though it is also described as the work of an anonymous painter originating from China.

History & Provenance

Untitled is an album leaf painted in ink and color on silk that depicts a bird within a landscape composition. It is classified as a painting and belongs to the landscape genre. It is attributed to an anonymous painter who created it in China in the style of Tang Xiya.

Its dimensions are 19.7 cm in height by 19.4 cm in width. The painting is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. No earlier ownership details are recorded in the sources consulted.

The work is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it is also located. While the specific inventory or accession number is not provided in the available records, the institution maintains the album leaf as part of its paintings classification. The provided sources do not contain information regarding any past or current exhibitions featuring this piece.

Overview

This small album leaf, executed on silk with ink and subtle colour washes, dates to around 1120. It presents a minimalist landscape in which two birds are perched on a stark, leafless branch set against an unadorned background. The composition is concise, offering a quiet glimpse of nature rather than a narrative scene.

清   佚名   竹禽圖   冊頁|Bamboo Branch with Berries and Birds
清 佚名 竹禽圖 冊頁|Bamboo Branch with Berries and Birds

Artist & collection

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by After Tang Xiya in 1120.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Chinese Orthodox School.